“One thing that I love, for my family, the choice they made to come to this country,” said Ukrainian-born Maks, “the fact that people vote and voices count. I love that this show represents that, the people’s choice.”

“I don’t regret a second of the last five years of my being on the show and definitely not a second of me being on this season. It’s been an amazing journey.”

“I don’t know how to feel right now. It hasn’t processed yet for me,” Brandy said after hearing the news

The couple had been widely considered, along with actress Jennifer Grey and partner Derek Hough, one of the two favorites to win the trophy.

Bristol Palin and her partner Mark Ballas will duel Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough and Kyle Massey and Lacey Schwimmer next Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC.